Milverton Parish Council

Report of Meeting held 6^th February 2016

Councillors met in the Victoria Rooms at the new regular time of 7pm to discuss a long and varied agenda.

The meeting opened with a question about heavy lorries using Turnpike and whether SCC could be persuaded to change the road priority at the junction with Rosebank Road.

Councillors discussed the proposal to create a new council to cover the area of TDBC and West Somerset Council. They expressed concern about reduced representation, the continued devolution of services and the reliance on technology in an area with the highest average age in the country which had very poor connectivity for both mobile phones and the internet.

Madam Chairman reported that the new NHS Partnership Trust was proposing to open a consultation on the future of the surgery. It was hoped that this would start in February but there was concern that the timetable might slip.

The Clerk reported that he had let a contract for cleaning the toilets in Fore Street and at the Recreation Ground from 1^st February. As this had been during the absence of the Chairman of the Recreation Ground Committee (who was on holiday) he had copied the documents to the Treasurer of the Recreation Ground Committee. The Treasurer had queried the affordability of this commitment and a meeting to clarify the situation will be held when the Chairman returns.

Mr Jenkins reported that the Planning Inspector had rejected the Notaro appeal for Creedwell. The Option to purchase the access has also been signed between Notaro and TDBC with a 120 day deadline running from 20^th January.

The only one item under planning was the felling of two protected trees adjacent to Butts Way. Councillors agreed to their removal after hearing that one had blown down on the 3^rd February and the other was badly diseased.

Councillors discussed the proposal to form a Community Benefit Society for the village. Councillors were sceptical about the concept and the proposal. After some discussion they said that until it was formed and set up with a clear purpose there would not consider it further.

Under matters to report Councillors brought forward concerns about vehicles and caravans being parked on the roadside for long periods. The Clerk will liaise with Police about these.

Mrs Pine reported that hedge clippings had been left obstructing the footpath at Ford Bridge.

The Crime report from PCSO Fyne was light with only a domestic incident and a road traffic collision being reported in January.

The Clerk reported that the large maple in the Jubilee Gardens was due to be felled on 16^th February by Arboricare. It was not proposed to close the path and the contractor would operate an escorted safe passage system for pedestrians.

The Clerk reported that the Twinning Association had submitted a request to install a pergola at the southern end of the Gardens to provide a clear boundary with the car park and protect the roses that had been donated by their French counterparts on Logny. Councillors were broadly in favour subject to an appropriate agreement being drawn up to cover responsibilities and maintenance.

Under Finance the Clerk reported expenditure of £1194 which included a £500 grant for the Victoria Rooms as well as salaries and subscriptions.

The meeting closed at 9:55pm.